Department of Sociology at Mississippi State University

10/07/2026

🚔 Learning Beyond the Classroom! 📚

This afternoon, Dr. Stacy Haynes’ Senior Seminar Capstone students had the opportunity to hear from Chief Ballard, Lt. Lovelady, and Officer Partida of the Starkville Police Department.

Students engaged in conversation about the role and responsibilities of law enforcement and the importance of building strong relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

We appreciate the Starkville Police Department for taking the time to connect with our students and share their experiences as part of this meaningful learning opportunity! 💙

09/09/2026

The Department of Sociology is proud to recognize graduate student Madeline Brock, first author of a newly published article in Social Science Quarterly!

Brock, along with Department of Sociology faculty members Dr. Nicole Rader and Dr. Margaret Ralston, authored “Vote, Pray, and Fear: Politics, Religion, and Fear of Crime in Today’s United States.” The study explores the relationship between political beliefs, religious participation, and fear of crime in the United States.

Congratulations, Madeline, Dr. Rader, and Dr. Ralston, on this outstanding accomplishment!

📖 Read the article, Vote, Pray, and Fear: Politics, Religion, and Fear of Crime in Today’s United States, here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ssqu.70191

08/12/2026

📣 We’re looking for two Assistant Professors in Criminology!

The Department of Sociology at Mississippi State University is currently conducting a search for two tenure-track Assistant Professors in Criminology.

We are looking for research-active scholars who are ready to contribute to our undergraduate and graduate programs and join a collaborative department. One position has a particular emphasis on the criminal justice system and/or criminal justice policy, while the other offers a broader opportunity for scholars across areas of criminological research.

🎓 Tenure-track | Research-focused | Undergraduate & Graduate Teaching

If you are a doctoral candidate nearing completion, a recent Ph.D. graduate, or a criminology scholar considering your next faculty opportunity, we encourage you to take a look.

Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this post or tag them below!

Applications will begin receiving review on September 30, 2026.

🔗 Apply directly through Mississippi State University’s career site:
https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/jobs/search?page=1&query=sociology

08/11/2026

🔎 Criminology scholars—your next faculty opportunity may be at Mississippi State University.

We’re hiring for two tenure-track Assistant Professor positions in Criminology, with opportunities to conduct research, teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and contribute to a growing criminology program.

📍 Starkville, Mississippi
🎓 Tenure-track | Research-focused | Undergraduate & Graduate Teaching
📅 Applications reviewed beginning September 30, 2026

If you’re a doctoral candidate approaching graduation, a recent Ph.D. graduate, or an established scholar exploring your next opportunity, we’d love for you to take a look.

Know someone who should see this? Share it with them!

Explore what makes MSSTATE exceptional. We are positive you’ll find your place at Mississippi State in an atmosphere that welcomes all, cultivates academic excellence, and celebrates service to local communities and throughout the world.

07/30/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Ian Robertson! 🎉

The Department of Sociology is proud to recognize Ian Robertson, a senior Criminology major, for presenting his research at the Mississippi State University Summer Research Symposium!

Working as a summer research assistant under the mentorship of Dr. Margaret Ralston and Dr. King, Ian explored how school disciplinary practices can influence long-term mental health outcomes, contributing valuable insight into an important and timely social issue.

Congratulations, Ian, on representing our department so well! We look forward to seeing where your research journey takes you next.

05/14/2026

🎓 Happy Graduation Day, Class of 2026! 🎓

Today we celebrate your hard work, resilience, and all the moments that brought you to this achievement. The future is brighter because of your passion, leadership, and determination.

Congratulations from the Department of Sociology at Mississippi State University — we cannot wait to see the impact you make in the world.

Hail State and forever proud! ❤️🤍

05/04/2026

As the semester comes to a close, we’re cheering on all of our students in the Mississippi State University Department of Sociology as you head into finals.

Sociology teaches us to see the world more clearly—to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and understand the systems that shape our lives and communities. That perspective matters now more than ever.

As you take on this final stretch, remember: your work, your voice, and your ability to think critically are needed. The world needs people who care, who analyze, and who strive to make a difference—and that’s exactly what you’re preparing to do.

Finish strong. We believe in you, and we’re proud of all you’ve accomplished this semester.

05/01/2026

🎉 Happy Retirement, Dr. David May! 🎉

After years of dedicated service to the Department of Sociology, we are proud to celebrate the retirement of Dr. David May.

Dr. May has made a lasting impact on our department, our students, and the field. Known for being always heard but rarely seen, he brought a unique presence to our halls—one filled with humor, insight, and a genuinely big heart.

His wit kept us laughing, and his commitment to students and colleagues never went unnoticed. He has shaped countless experiences behind the scenes, and his absence will certainly be felt.

Thank you, Dr. May, for everything you’ve given to this department. You will truly be missed.

Wishing you all the best in this next chapter!

04/20/2026

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of graduate students in the Mississippi State University Department of Sociology who recently presented their research at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences national conference in March. 👏

🎓 Chandleigh Barton presented From Sentences to Sobriety: Education as Intervention, co-authored with David May, Angela Robertson, and Stacy Hoskins Haynes.

🎓 Julie Stepp presented Rural versus Urban: A Descriptive Analysis of Mississippi Law Enforcement, co-authored with Raymond Barranco.

Their research highlights the innovative and impactful work being done by our graduate students and faculty. Congratulations to Chandleigh and Julie for representing MSU Sociology on a national stage!

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7452001910263422977

04/14/2026

Undergraduate student Hannah Gjerde is making an impact! 👏

She recently presented her original research, “Disparities in Crime Representation: Analyzing Media Crime Portrayals in Mississippi News and Social Media,” at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences national conference this March.

We’re proud to see her hard work recognized on a national stage!

👉 Learn more about Hannah’s research and her experience on the Mississippi State University Department of Sociology website:
https://www.sociology.msstate.edu/news/2026/04/undergraduate-student-presents-criminology-research-national-conference